PaulJaq
Free Member
Me again for the last time I think!!!
Looking at some very useful info. people have posted inc. the sept 2011 info sheet from Dept for Transport ref. American Trailer brakes up to 3500KG laden weight, there was a bit in there about brake controllers.
The bit that worries me is 'American caravans / trailers with electric brakes can have an electrical device mounted in the towing vehicle which senses deceleration in the towing vehicle and transmits a signal to the caravan / trailer braking system to operate the brakes. European requirements demand that this type of device must be mounted on the caravan / trailer'
What does this mean?
Does the brake controller black box have to be mounted in the 5th wheel, with the signal cable running into and back from the tow truck? Which seems a bit pointless??
Also this 'supply of electricity for electrical braking systems' - 'the electrical energy required for the electrical braking system must be supplied to the trailer by the towing vehicle. If there is a battery on the trailer which is fed by the power supply unit of the twoing vehicle, the power from the battery must be disconnected during the application of the service braking system'.
What does this mean?????
Does it mean the power for the trailer brakes must come from the tow trucks battery and whilst the brakes are applied the trialer battery must be isolated. This could be done by a high amp relay system, or just connect the power source for the trailer brakes to the tow truck, and leave the chraging whilst towing connection to the battery - possibly to be cut via relay when the brake is applied to keep to the letter of the law.
Again what is the point and do all the current 5th wheel combinations in the UK comply with this / are wired this way??
Cheers Paul
Looking at some very useful info. people have posted inc. the sept 2011 info sheet from Dept for Transport ref. American Trailer brakes up to 3500KG laden weight, there was a bit in there about brake controllers.
The bit that worries me is 'American caravans / trailers with electric brakes can have an electrical device mounted in the towing vehicle which senses deceleration in the towing vehicle and transmits a signal to the caravan / trailer braking system to operate the brakes. European requirements demand that this type of device must be mounted on the caravan / trailer'
What does this mean?
Does the brake controller black box have to be mounted in the 5th wheel, with the signal cable running into and back from the tow truck? Which seems a bit pointless??
Also this 'supply of electricity for electrical braking systems' - 'the electrical energy required for the electrical braking system must be supplied to the trailer by the towing vehicle. If there is a battery on the trailer which is fed by the power supply unit of the twoing vehicle, the power from the battery must be disconnected during the application of the service braking system'.
What does this mean?????
Does it mean the power for the trailer brakes must come from the tow trucks battery and whilst the brakes are applied the trialer battery must be isolated. This could be done by a high amp relay system, or just connect the power source for the trailer brakes to the tow truck, and leave the chraging whilst towing connection to the battery - possibly to be cut via relay when the brake is applied to keep to the letter of the law.
Again what is the point and do all the current 5th wheel combinations in the UK comply with this / are wired this way??
Cheers Paul